Name: Date: Science Lab Report Template

Title of Lab:

Research Question (aim)

1. Have you been given an aim, or are you designing your own
experiment?

2. If you have been given an aim, rewrite it in your own words.

3. If you are designing your own experiment, identify the topic clearly, and develop a
clearly focused question.

Examples of appropriate language for each answer:

1. This lab is…
2. During this lab, I will determine/calculate…
3. Does the ______ affect the _____?

Hypothesis
● Mention the relationship using the words proportional, directly proportional or inversely
proportional. (what)
● Justify by giving appropriate and relevant background information that explains the
context. (how & why)
● Give citations where necessary, using APA.

I predict/expect that _______ is ______ proportional to _______, because…..

Name: Date: Science Lab Report Template

Variables
Identify the independent variable (1), dependent variable(1), and controlled variables(at least
one). The variables must be appropriately chosen to address the research question. Consider all
factors that may influence the data (controls).
You must have a minimum of three controls.

Variable How will it be measured or

controlled?

Independent

Dependent

Controlled

Apparatus
List all equipment used and ranges where necessary (ex: length of ruler).
When appropriate, add an annotated/labeled diagram or photo.

Ex:
1. 15 cm ruler
2. 1 stopwatch
3. 5 test tubes

Method
1. Describe how you will measure and change the independent variable.
2. State the range of values for the independent variable.
3. Describe how you are going to measure the dependent variable.
4. Describe what you will do to keep the control variable constant.
5. Describe safety and ethical considerations.
6. Describe what you will do to improve accuracy and reduce uncertainty.

Example Sentences Looking Back

1. I repeated steps 2 to 4 using a different height...
2. I used the heights 10, 20, 30...cm. (6-8 different values)
3. I measured the time it took for the ball to drop by…

Name: Date: Science Lab Report Template

4. I made sure that I used the same ball each time.
5. I wore goggles to protect my eyes from chemicals.
6. I repeated the readings three times for each different height.
Example Sentences in the Passive
1. Steps 2 to 4 were repeated using a different height…
2. Heights 10, 20, 30… were used. (6-8 different values)
3. The time it took for the ball to drop was measured by…
4. The same ball was used each time.
5. Goggles were worn to protect eyes from chemicals.
6. The readings were repeated three times for each different height.

Example Sentences in the Command Form

1. Repeat steps 2 to 4 using different heights.
2. Use heights 10, 20, 30…. (6-8 different values)
3. Measure the time it took the ball to drop by….
4. Use the same ball each time.
5. Wear goggles to protect eyes from chemicals.
6. Repeat the readings three times for each different height.

Data Collection (Results)

What did you observe during your experiment? What data did you
collect? Data can be presented in the form of:
○ a list.
○ a data table.
■ the first column for the independent variable
■ one column for each repeated measurement of the dependent variable
■ headings for each column that includes the title, and unit
■ consistent number of decimal places within each column

○ a scientific diagram.
■ labels
■ annotations
■ title
■ microscope magnification (where appropriate)
■ Referencing (where appropriate)

Name: Date: Science Lab Report Template

 Examples:

http://creativethinkinginthelab.blogspot.com/2015/01/experiment-cells-5th-6th-grade.html

Observations
● Observations should include anything seen, heard, smelt, felt, etc.
● They can be qualitative or quantitative.
● They should be recorded in an organized, logical format.

Examples:
● The gas given off smelled like rotten eggs.

Data Processing
Data should be processed in some way, for example finding averages. Processed data should
be displayed either in a separate table or to the right of the collected raw data. When possible, it
should be reported in the form of a graph (linear when possible).
● Data Table
○ consistent decimal places
○ consistent use of significant figures
● Graph
○ use 1-mm square graph paper
○ title
○ axis labels (including units)
○ appropriate scale - consider the size (at least half the page); use a friendly scale
○ best fit line
○ gradient (when required)

Example: Create yourself a checklist from the above instructions.

Name: Date: Science Lab Report Template

 Conclusion & Evaluation
The conclusion should interpret the results of the data procession relative to the research question.
When possible the conclusion should be compared to any established scientific context. Discuss
strengths and weaknesses of the investigation (method and data collection). Discuss realistic
improvements to the experiment.

The conclusion could:

❏ link to the language and purpose of the research question.
❏ comment on whether, how and why the data collected and the graph support theory. ❏
discuss any outliers/anomalies on the graph.
❏ discuss the information gained from the gradient and/or the intercept.
❏ include limitations of the method (ex: controlling the control variables).
❏ discuss the accuracy of the readings.
❏ comment on the method and equipment used.
❏ comment on the range of values and repetitions.
❏ comment on the limitations of the data.
❏ discuss sources of error.
❏ discuss time management.
❏ make suggestions for an extension of the investigation.

Presentation
The presentation should be clear, and the report should be well-structured.

The presentation should:

❏ follow a structure with subtitles for each section.
❏ use key terms and symbols correctly.
❏ label any diagrams, tables or graphs.
❏ include properly cited references.
❏ be factual and remain focused on the scientific aspects of the investigation.

Name: Date: Science Lab Report Template

References
(Write a bibliography in APA format for all resources that you used to support your hypothesis, and
resources you used to provide a scientific explanation for your conclusion.)